The cost of living well in Singapore.

Our verdict. Singapore suits a family that wants a territorial tax system in Asia and can pay for it. Foreign income is generally untaxed unless received through a Singapore partnership, and UWCSEA charges S$49,926 for Grades 11 and 12. The city has 242,400 millionaires, up 62% in ten years. The catch is entry to the clubs: a Sentosa Golf Club membership trades at about S$600,000, plus an S$80,000 transfer fee, and helper costs include a monthly government levy. Against Hong Kong, a prime square metre costs about half as much, though the top tax rate is 24% against 17%.

1. A prime family home, rented2026£89k

   US$118,662 a year · Savills prime residential rent US$1.06 per sq ft per week x10.764 = per sqm per week, x52 weeks x200 sqm (prime rent for a 200 m² home)

   Savills Research, Spotlight: World Cities Prime Residential Index H1 2026 (tables: Prime residential capital values / rents as at June 2026), June 2026 (H1 2026 index)

2. Senior school fees, two children2027£59k

   SGD 49,926 a year a child · UWCSEA (Dover/East), Grade 11-12 annual tuition, 2026/2027

   UWCSEA Fee Schedule, 2026/2027 academic year

3. Membership at a leading golf club2026£1,758

   SGD 3,000 a year in subscriptions · joining SGD 680,000 · Sentosa Golf Club local individual: S$600,000 last-done market price + S$80,000 club transfer fee; S$250 a month subscription x12

   Singolf Services price list (market price); Sentosa Golf Club membership page (transfer fee, subscription), Market price, 20 June 2026

4. A berth for a 20 m yacht2026£22k

   SGD 37,470 a year · ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove member yearly rate, 61-70 ft band, S$47.31 per ft per month x 66 ft (20 m) x12, incl. 9% GST

   ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove wet berthing rental rates, Published rates, checked 20 Oct 2026

5. A full-time housekeeper or nanny2026£6,604

   SGD 11,268 a year · Philippine minimum wage for a domestic worker, US$500 a month (about S$639 at the 20 Oct 2026 rate), plus the Ministry of Manpower levy of S$300 a month for a first helper, x12

   Philippine Department of Migrant Workers, Advisory No. 25, Series of 2025 (minimum wage); Ministry of Manpower, Paying the foreign domestic worker levy (levy), Minimum wage for contracts from late Oct 2025 (advisory dated 22 Aug 2025); levy page updated 8 Jul 2026

6. Tasting menu for two, twice a month2026£14k

   SGD 996 a dinner · Odette (3 Michelin stars) dinner Épicure menu, S$498++ per person x2, before service charge and GST

   Odette reservations page, Published prices, checked 20 Oct 2026

Figures are published prices, fees and surveys as dated, converted to pounds at the stated rates. They change, vary by home, school year and membership, and are a guide, not a quote. Nothing here is financial, tax or legal advice.

• London£322k+118%
• Monaco£313k+112%
• Dubai£307k+108%
• New York£255k+73%
• Hong Kong£208k+41%
• Miami£176k+20%
• Los Angeles£174k+18%
• Milan£171k+16%
• Paris£160k+9%
• Geneva£152k+3%
• Abu Dhabi£145k−1%
• Amsterdam£120k−19%
• Bangkok£112k−24%
• Riyadh£108k−26%
• Munich£104k−29%
• Manchester£95k−35%
• Lisbon£93k−37%
• Doha£89k−40%
• Muscat£80k−46%
• Marbella£78k−47%
• Phuket£70k−52%
• Jeddah£68k−54%
• Kuala Lumpur£59k−60%
• Manama£36k−75%
• Kuwait City£25k−83%

Pounds at ECB reference rates (Gulf currencies at their dollar pegs) rates of 2026-10-20.